This is part of Mindstream’s editorial package on Parapsychology Research, highlighting findings and discussion from the Parapsychological Association’s 2023 convention.
By Liza Horan
Parapsychologists want the public to know the psi experiences are common, natural and normal, and that they can find resources for support understanding and integrating these phenomena, and even contribute to research. As more people speak openly about their own personal experiences, the level of acceptance for these innate abilities and parapsychology — the science studying them — will rise.
SHARE to gain support or inspire others
Psi experiences can present in a variety of forms, and they may cause a variety of emotions — from confusion, fear and shame, to clarity, calm and joy. Both the spiritual development and healing field and Transpersonal Psychology cover psi phenomena within their frameworks for transcendence, which is connecting with a spiritual or higher power.
The terms “spiritual crisis,” “spiritual emergency” and “spiritual emergence” are common terms. In fact, there are overlapping symptoms between spiritual emergence and psychosis. The American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences provides directories of mental health providers, spiritual guidance advisors and life and spiritual coaches; all of these professions cover this nuanced area. And InterVoice is an international charity for people who experience voices and visions, whatever the reason.
There are numerous resources to learn about these phenomena and get support to integrate such experiences. The Spiritual Emergency Network operates in the U.S. and Canada, and the Spiritual Crisis Network is based in the U.K. The Perceptive Children Support Forum offers “information, validation, and networking opportunities for the perceptive child or teen, their families, and health professionals.” The Parapsychological Association offers a fuller list.
Editor’s Note: If you have had a psi experience that has been transformational for you, please SHARE YOUR STORY on Mindstream. We welcome personal essays of lived wisdom and insightful perspectives.
CONTRIBUTE TO RESEARCH
If you experience psi phenomena and would like to share this with researchers, either online or in person, here are some sources looking for authentic input.
- Institute of Noetic Sciences (in addition to research, IONS is in the process of creating a standard measure of “talented individuals” in psi for future research)
- University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies (five studies, from Near-Death experiences to children who claim to remember a previous life)
- Society for Psychical Research (various)
- University of Edinburgh’s Koestler Parapsychology Unit (ESP, psychokinesis and more)
- University of Georgia’s Exceptional Experiences Lab (experiences of the paranormal or spiritual; spiritual and paranormal folklore)
- The Dharma Overground has a message board where researchers post studies seeking participants.
- VIEW MORE: Report an experience or find support resources | See a full list of registered research studies
View the Parapsychology Research package main page
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